Project Spotlight: Red Trail Energy

Red Trail Energy LLC (RTE) is now the first ethanol producer to enter the voluntary carbon markets – and the largest carbon removal project registered to date.

RTE is a 64 million-gallon-per-year corn ethanol production facility located near Richardton, North Dakota. In March 2024, RTE became the first producer in the U.S. to generate carbon dioxide (CO₂) Removal Certificates (CORCs) in the Puro.earth registry for capturing and injecting the CO₂ produced during the fermentation process at its plant. RTE captures the CO₂, which would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere, and injects it for permanent storage into an underground Class VI well located approximately 6,500 feet directly beneath its facility.

“We have not only achieved a groundbreaking milestone as one of the first bioenergy facilities with carbon capture and storage (CCS) but have also emerged as pioneers in bringing verified carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits to the market. This program strengthened our position in the ethanol industry and has set a new standard for sustainability and innovation, driving positive change and demonstrating the viability of proactive environmental stewardship within our industry,” said Jodi Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Red Trail Energy.

This case study demonstrates the opportunity for corn ethanol producers in the U.S. to take advantage of voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) and create alternate revenue streams that reduce project risks and create optionality for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) projects. It also sets the standard for other industries to follow.

“Monetizing CDR credits in the voluntary markets can be an important complementary revenue stream for companies across industries to support decarbonization efforts. Our goal was to help set RTE up for success in the regulated markets while helping them break new ground in voluntary markets. This gives RTE a significant competitive advantage within the ethanol sector and serves as a new industry standard for others to follow,” said Shashi Menon, Chief Executive Officer, EcoEngineers.

Read the full case study here.